Must-see Landmarks in Paris

         Over the past few months, I've talked about the best places to shop, the best museums to see, and the best churches in Paris. I have also talked about taking trips to Disneyland and Giverny, which awesome ways to take a break from the hustle and the bustle of the city, but I haven't really talked about the basic sights to see. Sure, some of these might be self explanatory, but forget one of these and a trip to Paris may seem incomplete. Here is my list of the must-see landmarks to visit while in the city of Paris.

1. Eiffel Tower

         An iconic classic, its honestly hard to miss. Paris only has one skyscraper and not much else obstructing the view, so be sure to out look for it. My tip is to visit it at night, the eiffel tower sparkles at night on every hour until 1 am. A law has recently been put into place that it is illegal to take picture of the tower at night, so you'll have to visit it in person for yourself. If visiting during the day be sure to visit the observation deck. They give a generous student discount with any student id. If you'd like these views for free, the stairs are an option 704 steps will get you half way to the top for free. Any higher or if you'd like to avoid stairs, you'll have to pay. 

2. Arc de Triomphe

           The Arc de Triomphe honors all who fought and died in the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of all of the generals who died in the wars are written on the inside of the walls. The tomb of the unknown solider is in the center of the arch. If time permits the views from the top are gorgeous, just know that the lines will get long. The climb up is not easy, 246 steps up to the top with no elevator- wear comfortable walking shoes. 

3. The Louvre Pyramids and Fountains

          My favorite place to be in the entire city. I spent a lot of time at the fountains. Towards the back away from the entrance, the fountains are calm and peaceful. An afternoon by the fountains and a good book will not disappoint. It's even better if its warm out, the water is crisp, cool, and refreshing. A perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

4. Jardin des Tuileries

          The Tuileries gardens are right across the street from the front entrance of the Louvre. During the summer, the gardens are bursting with wildflowers. There are also many fountains around the park, fountains very similar to the Conservatory pools in Central Park near 75th on the UES. The fountains in Central Park were inspired by the fountains in the Tuileries Gardens. 

5. Place de la Concorde

           The Place de la Concorde is the oldest square in the city. During the French Revolution, the square was home to the guillotine. Today, the square is filled with statues and fountains. It serves as the center of Paris. To the left the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe peak out through the trees and on the other side the Tuileries Gardens are only a few steps away. Most sights are easily accessible through this square.

6. Pont de Arts Bridge

          Also known as the "Love Lock" bridge. My recommendation is to see this landmark as soon as possible, the bridge was starting to break down and fall apart under the weight of all of the locks. An entire panel of fence fell into the Seine River in June, so the city has decided to cut off of the locks off. The panel was once again filled with locks again within 3 days. This Parisian tradition will soon be gone so do not wait to see this bridge. 

7. The Mona Lisa

           Not quite a picture of the worlds most famous painting, but rather a picture of all of the crowds trying to take a picture of the painting. No matter what time of day you visit, these crowds will always be a reality. So be prepared to wait your turn and stand in the crowds before getting a glimpse at one of the world's most famous paintings. 

8. Palais Garnier

          Also known as the Paris Opera House, this building is now home to the Paris ballet. The ballet is very expensive. If you cannot afford a ticket, my suggestion is to take a tour of the opera during the day the opera holds tours. When on the tour, you can see the ballet practicing. It is a cheaper alternative if traveling on a budget. 

9. Les Invalides

         This building is home to Napoleons tomb and the army museum. Anyone interested in learning about the history of France's army or navy should make a trip down to this spot. The building was originally opened in 1670 as a hospital for the injured or aged soldiers and in 1679 a chapel was added. Napoleon along with many other war heroes were buried in the chapel. 

10. Moulin Rouge

          The Moulin Rouge is to this day an operating theater with twice daily shows everyday of the week. I have seen the show myself, but if on a budget you might want to skip out on this one. Tickets can cost upwards of 100 Euro. It's fun to visit the Moulin Rouge during they if you are not attending any of the shows. There is a gift shop inside, which is quite during the day and if you ask they might let you watch the actors rehearse. 

Day Trip to Giverny

          Giverny is a small town in Northern France, but it's not an ordinary town. Giverny was once home to Claude Monet and his gardens. In 1890 Monet purchased land in Giverny and decided to build a house and plant a garden. This garden became the inspiration for many of his paintings we have come to admire today. Most of Monet's paintings are in the D'Orsay, so a trip the museum beforehand will give visitors an idea of what to expect. 

         On the left is a picture I took in the fields during my trip, the right is Monet's painting. 

How to get there?

           The Paris SNFC, similar to our version of Amtrak will get you to the town. Take the train which begins at Gare St. Lazare (which is in the center of the city) and then get off at Vernon. The trip should take about 45 minutes and the views of the French countryside are beautiful. When you've arrived at the train station there is still a bit more traveling left to do, 3 miles to be exact. So, there are a few options: walk, (that will take a while) cab, ($$$) or a bike rental. I reccomend taking a bike if weather permits. There are several rental shops steps away from the train station. Once you have the bike, it's time to start riding to the museum. There will be clear signs posted on where to go it's very easy to find. The ride though the city of Vernon is beautiful and along the way the views of the Seine do not disappoint. 

           

          

         Once you've arrived at the museum, the gardens are free to explore. I wandered the gardens for hours. They were gorgeous, flowers as far as the eye could see. I have never seen such a large variety of flowers before roses, peonies, poppies, daisies, lilies and so many more. Flowers continually bloom from April until October, but the best time to visit is in either June or July as the most flowers are blooming in the gardens during the summer months. April and October are calm and quiet in the gardens, the summer months are extremely busy. If planning on going in the summer, expect crowds. I was never able to get a picture of the bridge without people on it, like in Monet's painting above. There was always a continuous traffic jam right on the bridge, which I helped take part of while taking the picture above from the top of the bridge.

           After exploring the gardens, a peak inside Monet's house is a must. He lived in this house and cared for the gardens for 43 years. His house is filled with the artwork of his friends: Cezanne, Renoir, Manet, and Boudin. He did not have any of his own artwork displayed in his house. I wasn't allowed to take pictures on this inside of the house, but every room in the house is themed around color. The dining room is a bright yellow lemon, the kitchen is a rich royal blue, and the outside of the house is green- bright green shutters and all. The house is full of authenticity- every piece of furniture and artwork is the same as it was in 1926 when Monet moved from his home. This day trip is a must if time permits on your Parisian vacation. 

The Ultimate Guide for Parisian Travelers

        Today I have compiled a list of the best of the best. If you plan on going on a vacation in Paris, this article is for you. I will show you the best churches, museums, shopping and markets. These articles are helpful if going on a short trip. There are only so many things you can see while in the city for a short amount of time and I'd like to help anyone traveling to Paris get the most out of their experience while in the traveling.

1. Shopping

          This may not apply to everyone, especially guys, but shopping in Paris is amazing. Some of the most famous designers have come out of France including Hermes, Chanel, and Dior. If you're like me you cannot afford any of the designers I just listed above. My sport is window shopping and I did a lot of it while in Europe. So if you are looking for some of the best places to go window shopping in Paris read more about it here.

2. Churches

          Paris has some of the most beautiful churches in the world and the best part is: they're all free. The lines may sometimes be long, but it's worth the wait. Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, the Sacre Coeur are all spectacular churches. I encourage travelers to attend a service if in the city as well. It was definitely interesting to go to mass in a different country. If you'd wish to attended a service in English, the American Church in Paris has service in English and they are very welcoming to all visitors. If you'd like to learn more about churches in Paris click here. 

3. Museums

          I'll be honest, I'm not usually the type that visits museums that often, but the museums in Paris are spectacular. From the Louvre to the D'Orsay and everything else in between even the most skeptical person will find something they love here. One of my personal favorite exhibits was the Rococo decor at the Louvre (shown above.) It was a beautiful exhibit and even if art may not be your thing, these beautiful rooms could turn anyone into an art lover. Read more about museums in my latest post. 

4. Markets

            I love the market, I really can't stress that enough. I'd enter with the intention of browsing and then walking out an hour later after having purchased scarves, food, and spending a generous amount of time taking pictures of flowers, like the picture above. Just remember that the markets are only open on Saturdays and Wednesdays and are an inexpensive alternative to grocery shopping. If you'd like to learn more read this post.

4 Churches to Visit in Paris

         Paris is filled with hundreds of churches spanning thousands of years in age. Here is a list of 4 churches that everyone must see on their next trip in the city.

1. Notre Dame

         The oldest church in Paris right in the center of the city was constructed in 1160 and is still open today. It's free to walk in and tours only cost 4 Euro. The lines are usually very long, but move quickly. If staying for mass, be sure to know that "International Mass" which is supposed to accommodate English-speaking tourists when visiting France, is actually all in French and arrive early if you'd like a seat close to the front.

2. St. Chapelle

8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

         This church is my absolute favorite church in Paris and for one reason: the windows. The entire church is windows. The light shines into the church and the stained glass is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The lines for this church are extremely long so plan ahead you will not want to miss out on this opportunity. If time permits, stay for the concert. A classical concert is performed every Saturday and Sunday night. Tickets sell out in advance so be sure to buy tickets before your vacation begins. 

3. St. Denis

1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

           St. Denis was the first bishop of France. There is a legend surrounding the saint. It is told that he was standing at the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre when he was suddenly decapitated, but he didn't die he instead carried his head 2 miles to where St. Denis now stands.  This church has important history surrounding it, as it was the first Gothic style church built in France. This church is in the northern suburbs and is about a half hour away, but it is worth a visit to learn some of the rich history surrounding it. 

         

4. The Sacre Coeur at Montmartre

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

            This is one of the oldest churches in France and is located in the district of Montmartre. Montmartre is about 40 minutes away from the city center so it is important to plan ahead if you'd like to go. Another warning is that Montmartre is on top of a very large hill and is only accessible by stairs. This walk is not for the faint of heart. You will be walking a lot so make sure to wear comfy shoes before ascending the stairs to the Sacre Coeur, which is a beautiful church and the views of Paris from the steps on the church is amazing. If you plan to spend the day in Montmartre be sure to check out the art district. Montmartre is home to many aspiring artists and bargain hunters can find amazing deals on paintings.

Bonus: Visit a Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Paris

2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris, France

          I loved visiting the grand mosque. The decor was simple yet beautiful, although nothing was hung on the walls, they were covered in blue and green tile that captivated your attention as you walked past. It was my first time ever visiting a mosque and it isn't a very popular tourist sight so it is very quiet. The rooms are peaceful and if a break from sightseeing is needed there is a cafe inside that sells pastries and tea. 

4 Museums to Visit in Paris

          Paris has a rich history and a culture that encourages creativity and artistry, so it's not surprising that the city is home to some of the most beautiful museums in the world. Although there are 14 accredited museums in Paris, most people do not have time to visit all of them. So I have compiled a list of the top four museums that must be seen when visiting the city of lights.

1. The Louvre

          The Louvre is home to some of the most famous pieces in the world, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus Di Milo. A one day pass costs 13 Euro, but if under the age of 25 or a student, a yearly pass can be purchased for 15 Euro. It will pay for itself in less than 2 trips and this pass allows you to skip the lines. The lines going into the Louvre are always very long, so if planning on visiting more than once this pass will work to your advantage. There is so much to see in the Louvre so I highly encourage multiple trips if time permits. 

2. The D'Orsay 

          Impressionism. Need I say more? The D'Orsay is a reconstructed train station and is filled with paintings from Monet, Manet, Renoir and van Gogh. The crowds are minimal in comparison to the Louvre. It's great when you need a break from the bustling Louvre to enjoy some peace and quite. Be sure while visiting the museum to visit the top floor, all of the impressionist paintings are displayed there and the views from the top are spectacular.  Students can get into the museum for a discounted rate with a student id. 

3. The Petite Palace

          The Petit Palace was built in 1900 and was only meant to be a temporary museum, but it was so popular, that the museum still stands today. The Petit Palace is filled with art from the Renaissance and Medieval period. There are also a few paintings from Rembrandt that shouldn't be missed. The Palace is in the shape of a circle, so in the middle of the circle is a garden and a tea room. This was my favorite part of the museum. There is nothing better than sitting down and resting with a cup of tea after wandering a museum for hours on end.

4. The Pompidou Center

         The home of modern art in Paris. This museum was built in 1977. The pipes of the building and the elevators and staircases of the structure sit on the outside of the museum, giving it a modern look. The building looks so out of the ordinary for French museums because this was the first time international designers were hired for the architecture. The design has mixed reviews, but the art inside is still worth a trip. Student discounts are also given here and unlike the Louvre this museum is small enough to explore in one trip.

4 Places to go Window Shopping in Paris

"To be irreplaceable you must always be different" 

A quote from the Chanel store in the Place Vendome.

         The fashion in Paris is incredible. World famous designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior have all come from the heart of Paris. Finding the right purse or outfit is an easy choice in Paris with the abundant selection, but the problem is that what you're looking for might not be in your price range. It certainly wasn't in mine. That's why I went window shopping throughout my trip. Some of these stores and neighborhoods are gorgeous and are a sight to see. Here are 4 of my favorites:

1. Place Vendome

        This square is the ultimate place to visit for the window shopper. It was the first square ever built in the city of Paris and is now full of fine jewelry from Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and so many more. The windows are filled with rings, necklaces, and watches which are covered in diamonds, rubies, emerald and sapphires. All of the stores conveniently surround a statue erected by Napoleon after a battle. First glance at the statue and you'll know you're in the right place.

2. Champs Elysees

        Think of the Champs Elysees as the Times Square of France with lots of variety for any taste or budget. From Louis Vuitton to H&M there is a store for everyone. I recommend either going in the morning or later at night the crowds in the afternoon are insane. There are also many restaurants along this road, but if on a budget it is important to remember that these restaurants will be expensive.

3. Primtemps and Galleries Lafayette

         These department stores are right across the street from each other and carry a very wide selection of clothing, shoes, and purses, but what I like most about both of these stores is the architecture. Galleries Lafayette has a ceiling made entirely of stained glass. Even if you aren't looking to purchase anything on your trip, a pit stop into these store is a sight worth seeing. Be sure to also check out the rooftop of Galleries Lafayette it will not disappoint.

 4. Boulvard Haussmann

         This street is filled with luxurious stores and is home to the headquarters of Hermes and Chanel. Both of these brands have a rich history so a trip inside is worth it. There are a few art dealers on this street as well, including Sotheby's which displays all of the art held in their possession before it's sold. This street is long so don't be afraid to wear comfortable walking shoes. If one were to walk from beginning to end, you would have walked a grand total of 3 miles and reached the Champs Elysees.

Paris is known world-wide for its innovations in fashion take advantage and explore these areas!

Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

   

   In America, Disney is very popular, but so very expensive. Buying a park ticket, food, and souvenirs in one day could cost anywhere from $150- $200. Disney is one of the top family friendly destinations in the United States, but in France it is not as popular. In France, the family unit is not as strong and it is one of the few countries with a declining birth rate. Therefore, attendance at Disneyland Paris is very low and that means prices are low as well. A promotional ticket to Disneyland France is only 20 Euro and can be purchased at a travel agency in France. I was astounded by the price and how cheap the day was overall.

How to get there?

          Disney Land Paris is only one hour away from the center of Paris. The best part about it is that you can get there with just public transportation. Its simple: if starting at the city center (subway stop Chatelet) you can take the Paris RER, which is from New York is similar to the Long Island Railroad or Metro North and then get off at Parc Disneyland. A roundtrip train ticket is only 12 Euro. Once off the subway there is no further travel. The exit of the train station is shaped like a giant castle and you know you've arrived.

1 Day 2 Parks

         Most people do not have time to visit for 2 days in one trip, so I recommend buying a one day park hopper and seeing the best of both parks. We started the day off at the less popular park, Hollywood Studios.  I usually associate Disney World with people and lots of them. People who are getting in your way, rolling over your feet with babycarriages, my list could go on and on. It's very crowded.
           Disneyland Paris was a breath of fresh air in comparison. There were no lines for any ride in the entire park. We were able to ride the infamous "Hollywood Tower of Terror" 5 times in a row. Mind you this ride usually has an hour wait in the states. We were able to go on every ride in the park in under 3 hours. Then we went to the Magic Kingdom. The lines were very short in that park as well. All of the American favorites were there including, Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course, the teacups! Some of the rides do have slight differences. For example, Space Mountain in the US is very dark, but its an easy roller coaster with no loops. (Motion sickness is not my friend) I was expecting the ride to be the same, so I didn't take the time to read the warning at the beginning of the line. In France, Space Mountain was full of loops and twists and turns. I was not a happy camper after that ride. As the day stretched on we decided to grab food for dinner.

        In France, most businesses do not stay open late at night. Most restaurants and stores do not say open as late as they would in the US. We live a world of 24 hour restaurants and stores they live in a world of the 9-5 business day. This especially became a problem when we got hungry at 7p.m. and there were no places to eat in the park. All of the restaurants and food carts were shut down for the night. I was hungry the rest of the night, so my tip for anyone traveling to the theme parks is to either eat dinner early or bring lots of snacks with you. We eventually found a McDonalds outside of the park that is open late.

         Another big difference I noticed was that the French do not have as much variety in foods as they do here. In Disney World you can basically find any type of food you want. The parks have a huge selection fried food, a bakery, chocolate shop, restaurants and buffets. In Paris, there was only one restaurant and if you wanted a snack all they sold was popcorn and candy apples. Going the entire day with out a Mickey Bar was disappointing. There were also a lack of souvenirs. Not seeing any Mickey Ears at Disney was strange.

           At the end of the night it was time for the fireworks, accompanied with a spectacular light show that was entirely in English. It was so nice to have those familiar memories of home at the end of a long day. Disney Land Paris is definitely a recommended day trip if visiting Paris. 

Basic Travel Tips in Paris

This article is all of the basic travel tips I wish I had when I first arrived to Paris.

1. Getting to Paris

           When looking for plane tickets, its good to know that the cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Tuesdays are also the cheapest days to buy on. Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive days. It usually cheaper to fly in the early mornings or at night. If backpacking it is best to ditch the highly acclaimed "RyanAir" (that supposedly sells $30.00 one way tickets to various countries in Europe) and switch to "easy jet." Easy Jet was my favorite airline because they work out of the major airports, so getting there is pretty simple and the prices aren't much higher than their competition, Ryanair. Ryanair is able to charge such small fairs because they operate out of their own airports, which are usually very hard to reach and hard to get to. With Ryanair and other airlines that have their own airport far away from major cities, more money is spent on a cab ride to the airport then the actual plane ticket. In comparison to Easy Jet, where transportation to major airports is cheaper, saving money in the long run. 

2. Where to Stay?

          Depending on budget there are 3 options: hostel, hotel, and airbnb. A hostel will be your best option if trying to save money. If you want to read more up on my recommendations check out one of my previous blog posts: The Do's and Don'ts of Hostels. Read about it here.

          Airbnb.com can also have some good deals and because the concept of the website is to rent someone's house or hotel, a lot of homey amenities are included. A full kitchen can save tons of money on eating out. It's a good option if you'd like to save money on food or eat healthier. Finally the last option is staying in a hotel. Make sure to read up on reviews beforehand and if there is a language barrier, find one that is friendly to English speaking people. Tripadvisor.com should be able to help with all of those needs.

3. Where to Eat?

           I love Parisian markets, they are cheap and affordable, especially if you have a kitchen to cook in. When the market was not open, I also turned to the chain grocery store called Monoprix. Monoprix is very similar to Target, they have all the grocery items you need as well as clothing, beauty products, and accessories. If looking for more information on markets check out my previous blog post.      

            In Paris the food is spectacular, so I must mention restaurants and bakeries. Bakeries in France have a much wider range of selection than bakeries in the US and almost everything is fresh. You can not walk a block down any street without the wonderful smell of croissants and baguettes wafting though the air. From sandwiches, to macaroons, to quiche and everything else in-between its a must. 

4. What to do?

         If on a budget, Paris has so many options for free and fun things to do. I could go on for days, but instead I will stick with 4 general options: museums, churches, and parks. All of the options listed will have a post in the upcoming weeks. If you're looking for more in-depth information in the future, keep checking my blog for future articles. 

• Museums: When most people think about museums in Paris the Louvre is the first place their minds go, but there are so many other options. The D'orsay is free to students and gives deep discounts for people ages 18-25 (the entrance to the D'orsay is pictured below.) The Rodin and The Pompidou center for modern art also discount for young people. These museums contain some of the best art pieces in the world, but if you're still itching to go to the Louvre, a student can buy a year pass for 15 Euro. Versus the general admission price of 26 Euro each visit. This pass also gives students the option to bypass the lines which can take hours to get through. Even if only visiting for a day, this pass will have already paid for itself. 

• Churches: Almost all churches in Paris are free and with the exception of Notre Dame, have no lines to get in. My favorite church was St. Chapelle. The stained glass windows went from the floors to the ceilings. I have never seen such a beautiful church before. If willing to travel to the edges of the city trips to St. Denis church and the Sacre Coere in Montmartre are also worthy of seeing. 

• Parks: On a beautiful day who doesn't love a beautiful stroll through the park? There are so many, but my 2 favorites are The Garden of the Tuileries and The Luxembourg gardens. It's free, cheap, and beautiful. What's not to love?